Editors' Rating

'70s Edition

Our review car was a special '70s Edition that was fully loaded with tech and featured this handsome Toffee Brown Metallic paint. The interior is trimmed in beige leatherette, and chrome dish wheels finish off the look.
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Editors' Rating

Rear visibility

The roof creates noticeable blind spots at the rear corners of the vehicle, but the large rear window makes parallel parking easy enough. Fortunately, I didn't spend too much time with the Beetle's top up.
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Editors' Rating

Folded fabric

The top doesn't really fold away. Rather it collects neatly in a pile at the back of the passenger compartment. I'm not a fan of this look, but more importably the roof somewhat inhibits rear visibility.
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Editors' Rating

Flexing chassis

With the top up, driving over downtown San Francisco's lunar-surface roads, I was disappointed to hear the top's weather seals creaking against the glass windows. This tells me that VW has allowed a bit of chassis flex in the tublike Beetle Convertible.
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Editors' Rating

Fender audio system

The Fender audio system is still one of the best-sounding affordable premium audio systems I've tested. Feed it rock with a thumping kick drum and listening to music becomes a tactile experience.
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Editors' Rating

Hands-free calling

Bluetooth hands-free calling is also standard on the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible '70s Edition. Contacts in the synced address book are accessible via voice command at the touch of a button.
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Editors' Rating

Fast friends

Despite its flaws, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible and I were fast friends thanks to the awesome stereo and relaxed top-down driving characteristics. I also liked the way the approachable Beetle made strangers feel comfortable walking up and asking about the car.
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